Assessment of the production of biodiesel from urban wastewater-derived lipids

in Resources, Conservation and Recycling (2020), 162

Production of biodiesel is one of the most important European targets within renewables for the future. To consider biodiesel a feasible alternative to fossil fuel, unconventional resources need to be ... [more ▼]

Production of biodiesel is one of the most important European targets within renewables for the future. To consider biodiesel a feasible alternative to fossil fuel, unconventional resources need to be exploited. This review aims to provide up-to-date knowledge on the existing reuse of lipids from urban wastewater to produce biodiesel. Lipids are readily removed by mixed microbial populations during wastewater treatments in sewage plants. Assessment results on potential annual European market supply indicate 3 – 414 104 tons (min for activated and max for grease trap sludge) of potentially extractable biodiesel from wastewater and an expected biodiesel demand of 14.8 106 tons. Considering the prospect of transforming sewage plants into biorefineries, we may cover on average 1.5, 6.2, 6.7 and 24.4% of activated, primary, scum and grease trap sludge respectively, of the European biodiesel market from wastewater-derived lipids. In addition, by implementing an optimized biotechnology selector, the overall biodiesel yield could be higher due to increased lipid incorporation into microbial biomass. This is not an insignificant amount and, if efficiently implemented, could represent an exploitable resource for biofuel production, an important and desired step towards a circular economy. The technology readiness level is still very low. There are several challenges and possible drawbacks, e.g., biogas yield loss, substrate depletion, or formation of floating sludge. Finally, no definitive legislative barriers towards wastewater-derived lipids have been identified; however, quality criteria as well as waste status have to be defined. [less ▲]

Impact of operation mode for biochar and zeolite-based planted vertical flow wetlands: how to enhance the removal of 27 micropollutants in medium-sized WWTP

in Book of abstracts Micropol 2019 (2019, August 21)

Assessment of the production of biodiesel from urban wastewater-derived lipids

Scientific Conference (2019)

By adopting a Circular Economy Package in 2015, European Commission aimed at stimulating transition towards a stronger and more circular economy where waste (including sewage) is no longer recognized as ... [more ▼]

By adopting a Circular Economy Package in 2015, European Commission aimed at stimulating transition towards a stronger and more circular economy where waste (including sewage) is no longer recognized as waste, but as a valuable resource of raw materials. This review study assesses the existing methodologies to produce biodiesel from wastewater-derived lipids. Depending on the stage of wastewater treatment where biodiesel would be extracted, it may cover up to 20% of the current European biodiesel demand. Further studies in regards to the biodiesel quality, legislative conditions and techno-economic assessment towards respective transition are needed. [less ▲]

Emisure - nature oriented systems for removal of micropollutants from wastewater

Scientific Conference (2018, March 13)

Selection criteria of Microthrix parvicella as lipid accumulator in activated sludge treatment plants

Poster (2017)